Serlopitant fails to demonstrate efficacy relative to placebo on primary and secondary
endpoints
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Oct. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Menlo Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: MNLO) a late-stage biopharmaceutical
company focused on the development of serlopitant for the treatment of pruritus associated with various conditions, today announced
top-line results from MTI-110 (TUSSIX), its Phase 2 clinical trial of serlopitant for the treatment of refractory chronic cough. In
this 185 patient study, treatment with serlopitant failed to demonstrate benefit versus placebo on the primary and key secondary
endpoints. In the primary endpoint analysis of change from baseline in 24-hour cough frequency after 12 weeks of treatment, the
serlopitant group had 31% less reduction than the placebo group. In a key secondary analysis of response rates, 54% of placebo
treated patients and 44% of serlopitant treated patients experienced a 30% or greater reduction in 24-hour cough frequency at week
12 compared to baseline. Serlopitant was well-tolerated in this study. Treatment related adverse events occurred at comparable
rates in the serlopitant and placebo treated groups.
“Based upon the results of this trial, we do not anticipate further development of serlopitant for the treatment of refractory
chronic cough. We sincerely thank the patients and investigators who participated in this trial,” stated Steve Basta, CEO of Menlo
Therapeutics. “We are continuing the clinical development of serlopitant for pruritus associated with various conditions given the
two successful Phase 2 clinical trials in which serlopitant demonstrated a reduction in chronic pruritus and pruritus associated
with prurigo nodularis.”
Update on Serlopitant Clinical Development in Pruritus
- The Phase 2 clinical trial of serlopitant to treat pruritus associated with psoriasis is fully enrolled, and data is expected
in December 2018.
- We are currently enrolling patients in two Phase 3 clinical trials (one in the U.S. and one in Europe) to evaluate
serlopitant as a treatment for pruritus associated with prurigo nodularis. Data from each trial is expected in the first half of
2020.
- We plan to initiate a Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with chronic pruritus of unknown origin this year and expect results
in the first half of 2020.
About Serlopitant
Serlopitant is a once-daily NK1 receptor antagonist being developed for the treatment of pruritus, or itch,
associated with various conditions. Menlo Therapeutics has completed two Phase 2 studies with serlopitant showing a statistically
significant reduction in pruritus compared to placebo. Originally developed by Merck and licensed to Menlo Therapeutics in 2012,
serlopitant has been evaluated in approximately 1,500 patients and has been shown to be well-tolerated, including in patients who
have received treatment for up to a year. Serlopitant is an investigational drug that is not currently approved for use in any
indication.
About Menlo Therapeutics
Menlo Therapeutics Inc. is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of serlopitant, a once-daily oral
NK1 receptor antagonist, for the treatment of pruritus associated with various conditions. The Company’s clinical development
program for serlopitant includes ongoing Phase 3 studies for the treatment of pruritus associated with prurigo nodularis, an
ongoing Phase 2 study for the treatment of pruritus associated with psoriasis, and a planned Phase 2 study for the treatment of
chronic pruritus of unknown origin.
Forward Looking Statements
To the extent that statements contained in this press release are not descriptions of historical facts regarding Menlo
Therapeutics, they are forward-looking statements reflecting the current beliefs and expectations of management made pursuant to
the safe harbor of the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding expectations
about the timing of data related to the Phase 2 clinical trial of serlopitant to treat pruritus associated with psoriasis, the
conduct of the two active Phase 3 clinical trials for pruritus associated with prurigo nodularis and the conduct of an anticipated
Phase 2 trial in patients with chronic pruritus of unknown origin. Such forward-looking statements involve substantial risk
and uncertainties that could cause Menlo Therapeutics’ development program for serlopitant, future results, achievements or
performance to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties
include, among others, risks that the timing of results, enrollment or commencement of clinical trials may be delayed, the risk
that subsequent trials do not replicate the results from completed clinical trials or do not demonstrate efficacy of serlopitant in
the studied indications, the risk of adverse safety events, risks that the costs of clinical trials will exceed expectations, risks
that Menlo Therapeutics will need to raise additional capital and will be unable to do so on favorable terms or at all,
risks of competition and the risk that Menlo Therapeutics is not able to successfully defend or protect its intellectual
property. These factors, together with those that are described in greater detail in Menlo Therapeutics Annual Report on Form 10-K
filed on March 28, 2018 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 1, 2018, as well as any reports that
it may file with the SEC in the future, may cause Menlo Therapeutics actual results, performance or
achievements to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied by our forward-looking statements. Menlo
Therapeutics undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
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Investor Contact: dsheel@menlotx.com